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Earthquakes in Hawaii - 15 Oct 2006 - Update

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10/15/2006 2:04:22 PM

Earthquakes in Hawaii - 15 Oct 2006 - Update

From the ERRI/EmergencyNetNews Global Watchdesk

Various reports are starting to come in to EmergencyNet News from Hawaii:

* A 6.5 earthquake is reported at a little after 0710 (local time) in the Hawaiian Islands...multiple aftershocks, of varying magnitudes were then reported.

* A "State of Emergency" is being declared by State Civil defense on the big Island at this time.

* There are no reports of major damage at this time. There are reports of some injuries, though the severity is not presently known. Assessment of the scope of the quake damage is still underway at this time.

* Kona Hospital and extended care facility are being evacuated at this time, due to "structural damage"

* Several highways have suffered damage and they are being assessed to determine if they will support traffic. The government is asking people to stay off the streets.

* Power is out on much of the "big Island," with HI Civil defense estimating that it will be 10-12 hours before it can be retored. A number of facilities are operating on generator power at this time.

* A number of internet connections to Hawaii appear to be off-line and people on the Islands are being asked to avoid using telephone lines so that they may be used by emergency services. The actual extent of power and internet outages is presently unclear.

* Emergency service agencies are responding to a number of requests for assistance and they are asking that telephones only be used in the event of emergency.

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